Sumida River Fireworks Festival Arguably the oldest fireworks festival on the public record, this glittering spectacular draws spectators in droves. It's been depicted in ukiyo-e master Hiroshige's woodblock prints, written about in literature and been a fixture of Japanese culture for centuries – the consummate Japanese summer evening experience. Fireworks will be cancelled in the case of rain. Date: Sat July 31 Showa Kinen Park Fireworks Festival Expansive Showa Kinen Park hosts this annual festival that is arguably one of the largest in the west Tokyo area. The popular park will be filled by 5pm, so although the entrance is free after that time it's strongly recommended to come early to get a decent spot. Date: Sat July 31 Koto Fireworks Catch waterfront fireworks at this annual festival that drew over 300,000 people last year. The line up of fireworks effects is available on the website, so you can follow along with the airborne performance. Date: Sun Aug 1 Dance Style Kids Watch pint-sized hip-hoppers go into dance battle, break it out and groove to the beats at this kids-orientated event. Catch the debut of the Jenni Dancers, along with fashion shows and appearances by popular pre-teen models and photo-heartthrobs. Date: Sat July 31 Star Dancers Ballet Charity Performance 2010 Miyako Yoshida, the ballerina fresh off her stint as principal with the UK's Royal Ballet will be appearing as special guest with Star Dancers Ballet in their annual charity performance. Read more about Yoshida and her already legendary career here. Date: Sat July 31-Sun Aug 1 Tokyo Wedding Collection 2010 Bridal Festa Autumn & Winter If you're planning to tie the knot, trying to convince your honey you should or just want to live out a vicarious fantasy, then visit this bi-annual expo for all things bridal. See the latest in dress and tux design with designer booths and fashion shows, jewellery experts and ring exhibitions, caterer displays, wedding hall reps and event stylists all under one roof. Date: Sat July 31-Sun Aug 1 Yoyogi Park Flea Market A flea market on a grand scale, with something for everyone. Compared to other flea markets run by the same organisation, the location itself is sure to draw a particularly interesting mix of offerings and hidden treasures. To register, refer to the website for details. Date: Sun Aug 1 Peter Pan One of the most beloved musicals of the 20th century, Peter Pan is a classic. This production is a Japanese version, which is a breath of fresh air for those who have seen the English version umpteen times, and a delight for kids no matter what language. This is the final weekend of the production, so expect an especially energetic performance. Date: Until Sun Aug 1 'Sensing Nature'/MAM Project 012
Tromarama 'Serigala Militia', 2006, photo courtesy of Mori Art Museum This spare but engaging show of work from contemporary Japanese artists explores the relationship between Japanese culture, art and nature. This trifecta is an indelible theme throughout Japanese art history, appearing in virtually aspect in some way. Though when one thinks of this triangular relationship we may envision the delicate beauty of traditional painting or the gilded splendour of Kano screens, this show seeks to uncover the ways this relationship has evolved and matured in the context of 'now'. A trio of artists (Yoshioka Tokujin, Shinoda Taro and Kuribayashi Takashi) are featured, each examining a different aspect of nature. Though the installations are rather few in number, they are expansive and draw the observer in with breathtaking aplomb, so much so that satisfaction is never at question. Also showing is MAM Project 012, the latest instalment of the Mori's special series for groundbreaking artists. This time it's Indonesian three-artist unit Tromarama with analogue-chic video installations that enthral with colourful, exuberant (and labour intensive) creations. Date: Until Sun Nov 7 |
Saturday, 31 July 2010
Tokyo Weekend 7/30-8/1
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